Digest

Despite the threat of a lawsuit from the Broward County Police Benevolent Association, city commissioners Wednesday approved a law allowing them to serve on the city's police and fire pension board.

The decision, approved 3-2, is mostly a housekeeping change because the mayor and one commissioner already serve on the board.

Under the city's charter, the board must have one police officer, one firefighter and two residents.

Commissioners must approve the appointment of a fifth member who is chosen by the four members.

Union officials say commissioners have a conflict of interest being on the board because they represent the city's interest.

"I do not agree with [the change in the law's language]," said Officer Alex Vera, a union representative. "The [union's] legal challenge will come unfortunately at the great expense of the city's taxpayers."

Mayor Joy Cooper and Commissioner Dorothy Ross, who have been serving on the board, voted for the change, as did Vice Mayor Bill Julian.

"I don't believe there's a conflict of interest," Julian said.

Commissioners Keith London and Fran Schiller voted against it.

Vera said the union plans to sue the city, Cooper and Ross.

Pompano Beach

Centennial event tickets available

Tickets are now available for the Centennial Celebration Marine Band Concert, set for 7 p.m. March 29 at the Pompano Beach Amphitheater, 1801 NE Sixth St.

Free tickets are available - four per person - on a first-come, first-served basis.

The concert celebrating the city's centennial will be performed by the Second Marine Division Band of the U.S. Marine Corps.

Tickets are available at the Emma Lou Olson Civic Center, City Hall, Herb Skolnick Community Center, E. Pat Larkins Community Center, Highlands Park, and the Mitchell Moore Center.